The holidays are busy, filled with activity, traditions, and visits with family and friends. It’s often the time when those who live apart geographically can spend extended, precious time together.
If you haven’t seen the older adults in your life over several months or years, it’s not unusual to notice changes until you are together for a few hours or days. You may observe uncharacteristic behavior, lifestyle changes, and routines.
The following are common signs that may signal a cause for concern. Use the Cause for Concern checklist at right for clues or changes that warrant attention. (Click on
the checklist for a full-sized, downloadable version.)
The more items you answered YES to in the Cause for Concern checklist, the higher the likelihood your older loved one needs support. Even if you responded YES to just one question, you would benefit from being proactive and planning ahead.
What next? Be proactive!
Whether you live close by or at a distance, there are steps you can take to support your loved one’s health and well-being:
- Start with a conversation. Share your concerns. Consider including others who care about and are trusted by your loved ones in the conversation, such as family, close friends, or clergy.
- Regular checkups. If you’re worried about weight loss, depressed mood, memory loss, or other signs and symptoms, encourage your parent to schedule a doctor’s visit. This can help identify and address any possible causes of changes. Ask about follow-up visits as well. Offer to go with them and take notes. Remind them how nice it is to have an advocate.
- Take care of safety issues. We can’t cover our loved ones in bubble wrap, but we can review any potential safety concerns with them. Start by prioritizing what needs to be addressed first. Then suggest small, manageable changes so they don’t become overwhelmed. Include your loved one in the discussion and decisions. Go at a pace they can accept. Schedule a free, get-acquainted call with one of our Certified Care Managers and ask about our consultation services and a Needs Assessment.
- Seek help from local agencies. In Seattle-King County, Community Living Connections (toll-free 844-348-KING) is your front door to free information about local programs and services that can help meet your loved one’s needs. Community Living Connections can also connect you to similar services in other parts of the country. We can help connect you with the best options and local resources too.
It’s not always easy or comfortable talking with parents or other older loved ones about concerns. Some are in denial and won’t acknowledge they need help. Others don’t realize they need support – this is call Lack of Insight.
Assure your loved ones that their health and well-being are the priority. And encourage them by emphasizing that you are in this together. Fortunately, there are many options and resources for supporting them and you.
You are not in this alone! Not sure where to begin? We can help. Schedule a free, get-acquainted call to get the conversation started.
